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Location

Hot Springs, AR

Start Date

6-4-2003 12:00 AM

Description

In December 1997, bovine tuberculosis was detected in a white-tailed deer taken at a commercial deer hunting ranch in Presque Isle County, Michigan. Since captive cervidae are considered agricultural livestock in Michigan, the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) ordered the depopulation of the herd. In 1998, USDA, Wildlife Services (WS) entered into a cooperative agreement with MDA to depopulate the herd from the ranch. The facility covered approximately 1500 ac of natural vegetation, including 400 ac of dense cedar swamp. The captive herd was thought to contain approximately 600 animals, most of which were white-tailed deer. This project presented two significant challenges: 1) removing no less than 100% of the deer and, 2) providing verification to MDA that 100% depopulation had been achieved. The depopulation effort began in February 1998 and was completed in March 1999 with the removal of 325 cervids. The successful depopulation strategy which included various shooting techniques, fencing, dogs and helicopters is described as well as the verification efforts.

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Apr 6th, 12:00 AM

Eradication of a Bovine Tuberculosis-Positive Captive Cervid Herd in Northeast Michigan

Hot Springs, AR

In December 1997, bovine tuberculosis was detected in a white-tailed deer taken at a commercial deer hunting ranch in Presque Isle County, Michigan. Since captive cervidae are considered agricultural livestock in Michigan, the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) ordered the depopulation of the herd. In 1998, USDA, Wildlife Services (WS) entered into a cooperative agreement with MDA to depopulate the herd from the ranch. The facility covered approximately 1500 ac of natural vegetation, including 400 ac of dense cedar swamp. The captive herd was thought to contain approximately 600 animals, most of which were white-tailed deer. This project presented two significant challenges: 1) removing no less than 100% of the deer and, 2) providing verification to MDA that 100% depopulation had been achieved. The depopulation effort began in February 1998 and was completed in March 1999 with the removal of 325 cervids. The successful depopulation strategy which included various shooting techniques, fencing, dogs and helicopters is described as well as the verification efforts.